The Super Mario franchise, developed by Nintendo, has cemented its position as one of the most iconic and recognizable video game series in history. Throughout the years, the franchise has undergone significant expansion, encompassing a wide range of entertainment mediums such as animated television shows, merchandise, and even theme parks. Inquiring about the state of mobile gaming, the user raises a pertinent question regarding the current landscape of this burgeoning industry. Renowned video game designer and esteemed Nintendo fellow, Shigeru Miyamoto, recently made some noteworthy comments regarding Nintendo’s upcoming plans for Super Mario mobile gaming. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into Miyamoto’s statements and analyze their implications.
Why Mario is Moving Away from Mobile Games
In a recent interview with Variety Nintendo has announced its decision to withdraw Mario from the mobile gaming arena, following two iOS games that experienced moderate success but a subsequent decline, as well as the closure of another game after a two-year run. According to a recent statement made by renowned video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, it has been revealed that mobile applications will not serve as the primary medium for future Mario games.
This announcement has sparked interest and speculation among avid gamers and industry experts alike, as the Mario franchise has long been associated with mobile gaming. Miyamoto’s statement suggests that the franchise may be exploring alternative avenues for game development and distribution, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the beloved Mario universe. Super Mario Run, a mobile game that was launched in 2016, managed to rake in a whopping $60 million in its inaugural year. Fast forward to 2019, and the release of Mario Kart Tour has been nothing short of a financial triumph, having generated a staggering $300 million in revenue.
It is worth noting, however, that this figure pales in comparison to the $3 billion and counting that Mario Kart 8 has accumulated over the years. Nintendo has reportedly taken down Dr. Mario World from app markets, two years after its initial release in 2019. No explanation has been provided by the company regarding the sudden removal of the game.
Nintendo’s Core Strategy
“First and foremost, Nintendo’s core strategy is a hardware and software integrated gaming experience,” said Miyamoto. “The intuitiveness of the control is a part of the gaming experience. When we explored the opportunity of making Mario games for the mobile phone — which is a more common, generic device — it was challenging to determine what that game should be. That is why I played the role of director for Super Mario Run, to be able to translate that Nintendo hardware experience into the smart devices.”
Elaborating on the merits of Run and Tour, Miyamoto continued, “Having Mario games as mobile apps expands the doorway for far more audience to experience the game, and also expands the Mario gaming experience, where you only need your thumb on one hand.”
What’s Next for Mario?
In a recent statement, a Nintendo executive shed light on the development process behind the iconic Mario game series. Drawing inspiration from the innovative Super Mario Maker franchise and the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey title, renowned game designer Shigeru Miyamoto referred to the latter as the “ultimate evolution of a Mario adventure game on a typical 3D platformer.” The executive went on to explain that the company’s approach to creating a Mario game involves first defining the gameplay and methodology, before determining the devices on which the game will be available.
In the realm of mobile gaming, it is noteworthy to mention that Nintendo has more than one mascot. While Mario may be the most recognizable, there are other beloved characters from the Nintendo universe that have made their way onto mobile devices. The company’s proprietary intellectual property is currently being showcased on the app store through a trio of mobile games, namely Fire Emblem Heroes (crafted by Intelligent Systems), Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, and Pikmin Bloom. (developed by Niantic). Nintendo’s recent accomplishments have been accompanied by an equal number of setbacks. Despite the company’s modest victories, it has had to discontinue services for Miitomo, Dragalia Lost, and Dr. Mario World, all of which were launched just a few years ago.
What’s the Future for Nintendo’s Super Mario Franchise?
As the highly anticipated “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” prepares to hit theaters in conjunction with the grand opening of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World, fervent Nintendo enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the release of the next installment in the mainline Super Mario video game series.
This comes on the heels of the successful launch of “Super Mario Maker 2” in 2019 and the recent “Bowser’s Fury” expansion in 2021. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of what exciting new adventures await Mario and his friends in the next chapter of this beloved franchise. Almost half a decade has passed since the release of the previous significant addition to the series, which was the revolutionary Odyssey in 2017.
During a recent interview, Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned video game designer and creator of the beloved Mario franchise, was asked about the release date of the next mainline Mario game. In response, Miyamoto chuckled mischievously, causing his translator to pause before relaying the question.
Miyamoto then tantalizingly teased the interviewer and fans alike, stating that all he could reveal at this time was to stay tuned for future Nintendo Directs. It seems that the gaming community will have to wait patiently for any further updates on the highly anticipated Mario game.
Miyamoto on Violence in Video Games
Renowned video game designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, has recently expressed his stance on the issue of violence in video games. It comes as no surprise that Miyamoto, who is widely recognized for his creation of the beloved Super Mario franchise, has always maintained a family-friendly and non-violent approach to gaming. Nintendo’s gaming portfolio, which includes popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing, follows a similar approach.
Renowned game designer Miyamoto’s approach to game design is not solely focused on steering clear of violent content. Rather, it centers on crafting a game that is both entertaining and captivating, while also being easily accessible to a wide range of players. Nintendo’s steadfast approach has yielded fruitful results, as the corporation has unfailingly churned out some of the most popular video game franchises in history. Among these, Super Mario stands out as one of the most widely recognized and beloved.
Contrary to popular belief, the aforementioned approach adopted by Nintendo does not imply that their games lack in difficulty or complexity. The renowned game designer, Miyamoto, and his team have been consistently successful in their efforts to infuse Mario games with novelty and thrill. Their innovative approach towards introducing new gameplay mechanics and levels has been instrumental in retaining the interest of fans, who are always eager for more.
Nintendo has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to the success of its Switch console and the release of highly acclaimed games such as Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This has demonstrated that there is still a significant demand for top-tier, non-violent games that can captivate a diverse audience.
Final Thoughts
As per recent reports, it seems that the beloved character of Mario is gradually distancing himself from the realm of mobile gaming. However, enthusiasts need not fret as the iconic plumber is set to remain an integral part of Nintendo’s hardware and software integrated gaming experience. Under the leadership of Miyamoto, the renowned video game designer and producer, the gaming community can anticipate a plethora of inventive and captivating games that will exemplify the company’s unparalleled approach to game development.
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